Indonesians Continue to Fly the One Piece Flag Despite Government Threats

August 3, 2025 | 01:29 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One of the residents from Riau, Kharik Anhar, is undaunted by the Indonesian government's criminal threat against those who raise the One Piece flag. "There is no law prohibiting people from raising flags of characters, football clubs, or animations at home or on vehicles," said Kharik when contacted on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

The University of Riau student mentioned that every citizen has the right to express their opinion and expression, as stated in Article 28E verse (3) of the 1945 Constitution. For him, the installation of the One Piece flag is a form of expression of the community's disappointment with the government. Therefore, he believes there is no reason to comply and fear raising the pirate animation flag in front of their house.

He regrets the government's excessive attitude in banning the community and even threatening them with criminal charges. "We reject the subversive labeling of the people's creativity," he said.

Kharik also received reports from his friends that the authorities had started to infiltrate their actions. He showed a screenshot containing a warning message from the neighborhood WhatsApp group. The head of the neighborhood association (RT) or community unit (RW) in the area was asked to report residents who raise the One Piece flag to Babinsa (Village Development Officer) and Bimas (Community Guidance).

"There was a report from a friend in Bogor, West Java. This is a clear form of censorship. Even though the Jolly Roger flag is a criticism of the corrupt system of the country, which is also filled with corrupt individuals, why are they angry?"

The installation of the animation flag, according to Kharik, has been done in accordance with existing regulations and does not neglect to honor the national flag. "We still respect the national flag. That's why we raise it in accordance with the rules, placing the One Piece flag separately, not higher or parallel," he said.

Kharik is now gathering other residents and students from various regions. He is consolidating the action of raising the One Piece flag so that it can be installed massively in front of houses or spread through social media. Currently, there are at least 320 people involved in the campaign to raise the pirate anime flag.

Another member of the group, Miun, also expressed his opinion regarding the prohibition of raising the One Piece flag. The resident from Yogyakarta said that the government should open its eyes and ears to the current phenomenon. The movement of people raising the One Piece flag is an accumulation of the public's anger towards the government.

"People from various sectors are protesting for a reason. We have seen the latest incident of bank account blockage by the PPATK (Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center). There are citizens who have difficulties withdrawing their money," he said.

According to Miun, officials who consider raising the One Piece flag as an act that divides the nation should be questioned. "Is there a civil war by raising this flag? I think the notion of division is simply a narrative of the anti-criticism government," he said.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, stated that raising flags other than the Red and White ahead of the Independence Day celebration on August 17 constitutes a criminal act. He said that the action undermines the honor of the red and white flag.

Budi reminded that the raising of the red and white flag has been regulated in Article 24 verse 1 of Law Number 24 of 2009 concerning the Flag, Language, and State Symbol, as well as the National Anthem. The law states that it is prohibited for anyone to raise the national flag under any other flag or symbol.

The government will take legal action against the raising of the One Piece flag. "This is our effort to protect the dignity and symbols of the country," he said in a written statement on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Vice Chairman of the People's Representative Council, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, called on the public to unite in the face of efforts to sow division through the installation of the One Piece flag. He detected an attempt to divide the unity and integrity. "We must oppose such things. Let's unite, resist," he said.

Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor's Choice: One Piece Flag is Not a Threat; It Strengthens Indonesian Brotherhood, Says Ansor Cyber Body

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